Jack Draper’s hopes of reaching his first Grand Slam final were dashed at the hands of world number one Jannik Sinner as the young British star was taken off court ill three times in a brutal US Open semi-final match.
Both players felt the heat and extreme conditions at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and at the end of the match, which lasted just over three hours, it was British number one Draper who had run out of energy and suffered a 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 defeat in a fight for survival against Sinner.
The 22-year-old Draper gave his all on the pitch as the physical exertion was too much for him and he had to vomit several times.
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Draper and Sinner were both treated by their physiotherapists as they were pushed to their limits during a brutal semi-final
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Jannik Sinner reflects on his brutal US Open semi-final match against Jack Draper
“Jack and I know each other very well. We are also good friends off the court,” said Sinner after his victory.
“It was a very physical game. I tried to stay mentally involved. He’s so hard to beat.”
“It was a very special occasion. Thank you to everyone who came. The support was incredible and I’m happy to be in the final.”
Draper made it to the semifinals without losing a set, but there he faced the best player in the world and, although he fought on equal terms with him for most of the match, he failed.
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Draper vomited on the pitch during a grueling semi-final match
After several breaks, Draper was just two points away from winning the first set when he broke Sinner’s serve to make it 5-4, but from then on everything went wrong.
Sinner broke to level at 5-5 and then served out to win the first set and end Draper’s 15-set winning streak.
It felt important that Draper had won the first set, and he came under pressure early in the second when Sinner’s near-impenetrable defense forced four break points, all of which were saved.
The brutal physical nature of the game took its toll and Draper was sick on the pitch.
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Draper managed this excellent backhand drop volley…
There were also concerns about the fitness of Sinner, who required a medical time off for treatment after falling on his left wrist during an epic point.
However, the injury did not seem to affect him and he improved his game significantly in the tiebreak of the second set and took full control.
Draper strangely asked for a can of Coke during the third set, but for him that was just the first taste of defeat, as Sinner walked away with it.
Sinner will face Fritz in the final on Sunday
Sinner is now the overwhelming favorite to win a second Grand Slam title if he meets Taylor Fritz in the final on Sunday evening – live on Sky Sports Tennis.
“I’m just happy to be in the final. Whoever it is, it will be a tough challenge for me,” said Sinner. “I’m just looking forward to it. The season I’m living through is very positive and finals are special days.”
“Every Sunday you play in a tournament means you’re doing a great job. We’ll keep pushing and see what we can achieve.”
Fritz became the first American to reach the final in New York since Andy Roddick in 2006, winning eight of his last nine matches against Frances Tiafoe, winning 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 to reach his first Grand Slam final.
“A dream has come true. I’m in the final,” Fritz said in his post-game interview at Arthur Ashe Stadium. “I’m going to go out there and give everything I’ve got, and I know that for sure. I’m going to give everything I can give so I can win.”
If he can beat Sinner in Sunday’s final, he could repeat Roddick’s success from 2003, the last time an American won at Flushing Meadows.
Robson: Draper was devastated in the last hour of the game
Laura Robson in conversation with Sky Sports:
“I really enjoyed it down here. The atmosphere was incredible,” said the former British number 1. “I’m not surprised that Jack is completely exhausted. He was completely exhausted for the last hour of the match and somehow managed to hold on.”
“He can be so proud of himself and how he persevered and played really good and aggressive tennis.
“That’s the challenge when you face these top players. Sinner, Alcaraz and the other guys can do it day in and day out.”
“They have the ability, when it seems like they are at rock bottom, to find a new level and keep going when they are feeling terrible.
“Jack did his best, but unfortunately it just wasn’t enough today.”
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Marion Bartoli and Martina Navratilova analyze the physical fight between Draper and Sinner
Henman: Draper can continue to improve
Tim Henman in conversation with Sky Sports:
“Sinner played the better tennis. It was really about Sinner playing the better tennis in the most important moments,” said the six-time Grand Slam semifinalist.
“There were some ups and downs in the first set, but there was a lot of drama at the end of the first and second sets – but that’s where Sinner showed his class when his ball hit both wings.
“He made the rallies physical and that was too much for Jack. He will learn so much from this.”
“Reaching a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time is a huge step. I’m moving up.”
What’s on Sky Sports Tennis in September?
- Jasmin Open, Tunisia – WTA 250 (9-15 September)
- Guadalajara Open, Mexico – WTA 500 (September 9-15)
- Korea Open – WTA 500 (September 16-22 – with Emma Raducanu in action)
- Thailand Open – WTA 250 (September 16-22)
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, the streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app. This will give Sky Sports customers access to over 50 percent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
